Midrashim

If you have watched ARBA4 you know that we have titled our program “Midrashim” (מדרש’ם).  This Hebrew word means interpretation, exposition, study and homily.  We have chosen this title because the interpretation of the Torah (תוֹרה) is of essential obligatory for our society.  While there are a great number of teachers far more eloquent, this age needs Torah more than ever.

Midrashic method:

Midrash (מדרש) is more than simple interpretation, study and the presentation of a homily.   Midrash is noticing that the text demands midrash.   Apparent discrepancies in the text demand investigation.   The midrashic scholar is trained to notice the things that demand inquiry.

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Shoelaces

How can shoelaces be spiritual?

A Rabbinic Maxim teaches us that some Rabbis taught their talmidim to make a conscious effort to see themselves being “bound” to HaShem when they tied (bound) their shoelaces.

When you put your shoes on think about “binding” yourself to HaShem.  Shoes are also the way we are able to walk about.  Try to see the tying of your shoes as way to remind you that your steps should be ordered by HaShem. ¹

1. Ps 37:23 [↩]

Josephus and the 613

Almost everyone in the field of scholarship is familiar with Josephus. His historical writings are most valuable for a multitude of scholarly endeavors. Few scholars have undertaken the time to embark on the daunting task of reading Josephus from cover to cover. Regardless, opinions of whom and what Josephus was all about vary from scholar to scholar.

Recent scholarship is beginning to take a new view of Josephus. In the past Josephus has been cast in a negative light. More recent scholarship is beginning to cast Josephus in a more favorable light. This is because they are viewing Josephus from the world that he actually lived in rather than try to contemporize his ideals. Nothing is more important to the accurate exegesis of a text that knowing the current events of the author. Without the works and writings of Josephus much data concerning the historical events of the first century would have been lost. Likewise, the ideals, cultural data and beliefs would be lost. We have learned from Josephus of the varied sects and diversity of Jewish groups that existed during his life time.

We shall not try to elaborate on this point with any depth at this juncture. Our focal point is Josephus’ relation to the idea of the mitzvot (613 commandments).

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Modeh Ani

One the most positive prayers that we can offer is the modeh ani. Sources suggest that it should be said before we ever get out of bed. (This is my practice) Regardless, the modeh ani is our first contact with HaShem during the day. If we take the time to start the day by having a conversation with HaShem, we are more likely to spend the remainder of the day conversing with Him.

Jewish sources suggest that the prayer “Modeh Ani” is a prayer that reminds us that we (believers) will have our part in the resurrection. Being raised from sleep (a picture of death) is symbolic of the resurrection. Therefore, the “modeh ani” is picturesque of thanking HaShem for raising us from the dead after the resurrection. The “modeh ani” looks forward to the “olam haba” (world to come) and our being able to spend eternity with HaShem whom we have devoted our life and service to.

The following is a quotation of the “modeh ani”.

Modeh ani lefaneicha melech chai v’kayam shehechezarta bi nishmati bechemlah – rabbah emunatecha

I gratefully thank you, O living and eternal King, for You have returned my soul within me with compassion – abundant is Your faithfulness!

Regardless of whether you say the “modeh ani” or not, practice starting the day by having a conversation with HaShem. Start as soon as possible. It will set the mood for the day.

Another beauty of this prayers is the fact that HaShem raises us for purpose.  By this I mean that we have the soul refreshed and returned for a specific purpose. What is that purpose? Service.  We are raised each day for service to HaShem. The day we die will be the day we cease our service here on this mundane world.

Shalom

Coming Classes

From Jerusalem to Athens.

This coming class will be a 13 week series on the departure from Jewish foundations towards “Roman” practices.

See the outline on the Coming Classes page

Also check out Current Class page

Hanhagot

I was first introduced to the Hebrew word “hanhgot” while reading the voluminous work “Jewish Spiritual Practices” by Yitzhak Buaxbaum. In this work the word “hanhgot” is translated as “spiritual practices.” These practices were reportedly were prescribed by Rabbis for their talmidim (students). I have chosen to use them not as a means of teaching “students” but sharing them with my peers.

These “hanhagot” are intended to help increase our relationship with HaShem.

Why Focus on the Torah?

First let us define Torah. The Hebrew word “Torah” means “Teaching, instruction and discipline.” There is no doubt that the Torah is the first of all Biblical texts. As a result, the core of all Biblical understanding is found within the Chumash. The Hebrew word Chumash means “five,” indicating the first five books of the Bible or the work of Moshe. Therefore, all Biblical texts are related to the Torah. Bible study demands a solid knowledge and understanding of this foundational text before proceeding to subsequent texts.

Therefore, the best possible hermeneutic demands that we begin with the foundation for all Biblical text.

The unfortunate truth of contemporary history is our abandonment of this vital foundation for fear of legalism. The truth is that we have nothing to fear. A Jewish maxim states, “All is in the hands of Heaven except for the fear of Heaven.”

We must ask ourselves one vital question. Why was the Torah given?
The truth is that the Torah was given for the establishment of a theocratic society. All who would be a part of this theocratic society must embrace the Torah. Herein lays a truth of great import.

All believers want to be a part of HaShem’s community.  However, within that community there are rules of conduct.  These rules are found within the Torah.

Is this being legalistic?

By no means!  Living a Torah based life is liberty from sin and death.  Living a Torah based lifestyle is the key to genuine spirituality.  

Shalom